Gilmore opposes arming opposition

Ireland appealed against any effort to arm opposition forces in Syria but supported an EU decision to extend sanctions against the regime.

Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore said there was a danger the situation in the Middle East country would degenerate into a prolonged civil war if opposition groups were armed.

The EU froze the assets of the Syrian central bank within the EU, although legitimate trade can continue under strict conditions. Trade in gold, precious metals and diamonds with Syrian public bodies and the central bank was also banned.

Cargo flights operated by Syrian airlines will be banned from EU airports, although mixed passenger and cargo flights will continue to be allowed. A visa ban and asset freeze has also been imposed on seven government ministers.

Announcing the restrictions, EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton said they should add pressure to the Syrian regime responsible for the campaign of violence against civilians.

Gilmore said the Government supports Syria being referred back to the UN and hope Russia and China reverses a veto on a security council resolution against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

The foreign affairs minister said what was happening was barbaric with over 8,000 killed, including at least 600 children, and 70,000 people detained.

“The international community cannot stand aside while the Assad regime brutalises its people.”

He attended an international conference in Tunis following the failure of the UN resolution. It resolved to work with the Syrian opposition to maintain pressure on Assad.

EU foreign ministers renewed their demand for a ceasefire to allow special envoy Kofi Annan to build on the Arab League plan to which Assad agreed to at first but subsequently withdrew from.

Gilmore said that as well as those killed and detailed, three million people needed food, medical aid and humanitarian assistance.

“It was a great pity that Russia did not support the UN security council resolution. The international community cannot stand aside and watch the killings in Syria.”

The conclusions to the foreign ministers meeting reflected the same opinion and added, “The time has come for the international community to speak with one voice and demand an end to the bloodshed and speak out for a democratic future for Syria.”

The EU said it looks forward to the next debate of the UN Human Rights Council on Syria on Mar 12 and discussions in the high level segment of the session this week.